Month: April 2013

“Gods & Goddesses” Revealed: Mercury & Apollo

If the portraits in “Everyday Gods & Goddesses” seem almost alive — if you think you see their eyes wink as you turn your head, and you wonder if they visit each other, Harry Potter-style, at night — well, that’s just your imagination. But these paintings do have stories, both ancient and modern, behind the canvas. Today’s tale: Mercury & Apollo.

Mercury and My Apollo by Linda Lawler.
Mercury and My Apollo by Linda Lawler.

“My Apollo is a straight shooter who also can tell no lie. He is definitely the center of my universe.” — Linda Lawler, placard for My Apollo

The story of Apollo and the young Mercury is one of theft, deceit, a very busy infant, and friendship. It has a happy ending (for everyone except the tortoise). Continue reading “Gods & Goddesses” Revealed: Mercury & Apollo

Exhibits

Artist Opportunities: April 30, 2013

See below for calls for artists and other announcements. You can view past opportunities posts by clicking the banner above. Good luck!

Photography exhibit
Deadline: May 17, 2013. The Washington School of Photography has issued a call for artists for “Ties Inseparable,” a regional, juried photography exhibition with a patriotic theme. For more information and to enter, click here (PDF).

Continue reading Artist Opportunities: April 30, 2013

Artist Opportunities

“Gods & Goddesses” Revealed: Flora

If the portraits in “Everyday Gods & Goddesses” seem almost alive — if you think you see their eyes wink as you turn your head, and you wonder if they visit each other, Harry Potter-style, at night — well, that’s just your imagination. But these paintings do have stories, both ancient and modern, behind the canvas. Today’s tale: Flora.

Flora by Linda Lawler. Oil on canvas, 38" x 32".
Flora by Linda Lawler. Oil on canvas, 38″ x 32″.

“Jeanne is a perfect Flora … she is never without fresh basil.” — Linda Lawler, placard for Flora

Did you know today is a holiday? Continue reading “Gods & Goddesses” Revealed: Flora

Exhibits

Art in City Hall Returns for Spring 2013

The Art in City Hall Spring 2013 award winners, clockwise from top left: Wasabi by Susan Gartner, Waterscape Series I by Soomin Ham, Gathering I: Descending (Blue) by Yeon Pa Park-Mitchell, and Portrait by Ning Fan.
The Art in City Hall Spring 2013 award winners, clockwise from top left: Wasabi by Susan Gartner, Waterscape Series I by Soomin Ham, Gathering I: Descending (Blue) by Yeon Pa Park-Mitchell, and Portrait by Ning Fan.

The Art League, the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, Del Ray Artisans, and the Torpedo Factory Artists Association have partnered together again for the latest Art in City Hall exhibit, which opened Monday.

Art in City Hall hangs twice a year on the second floor of Alexandria City Hall (301 King Street), and this show is up through November 15. Allison Nance, director of the Target Gallery, juried the exhibit, selecting 88 of 232 submitted works.

Mark your calendars for the opening reception, Monday, June 10, 5:30–7:00 pm in Room 2000 of City Hall. Keep reading for a preview of the exhibit! Continue reading Art in City Hall Returns for Spring 2013

Exhibits, News

“Gods & Goddesses” Revealed: Venus & Adonis

If the portraits in “Everyday Gods & Goddesses” seem almost alive — if you think you see their eyes wink as you turn your head, and you wonder if they visit each other, Harry Potter-style, at night — well, that’s just your imagination. But these paintings do have stories, both ancient and modern, behind the canvas. Today’s tale: Venus and Adonis.

Details from Venus and Adonis – My Son by Linda Lawler.
Details from Venus and Adonis – My Son by Linda Lawler.

“Every mother thinks her son is the most charming and handsome of all … obviously my son is!” — Linda Lawler, placard for Adonis – My Son

Artist Linda Lawler’s son is the model for the Adonis painting, but in mythology, Adonis’s mother is a tree: when he is born, the trunk splits open and water nymphs pull him out. Even as an infant, he is famous for his beauty — and as a man, his looks catch the eye of the goddess Venus, who “even forgoes the skies, preferring Adonis to heaven,” as told by the Roman poet Ovid. (Linda Lawler’s model for Venus was her friend Jennifer — who also modeled for the less-than-lovely Medusa on the opposite wall.)

Venus warns Adonis, who is fond of hunting, to watch out for wild animals, but he ignores her (always pay attention to goddesses!) and is gored by a wild boar. The grief-stricken Venus creates a new flower from his blood, Ovid writes: “But enjoyment of it is brief; for, lightly clinging, and too easily fallen, the winds deflower it, which are likewise responsible for its name, windflower: anemone.”

Let’s hope the other myths don’t have sad endings, too. But speaking of brief enjoyment — “Everyday Gods & Goddesses” is only open through May 6, so see it while you can! Continue reading “Gods & Goddesses” Revealed: Venus & Adonis

Exhibits

Free Legal & Financial Workshop for Artists

If you can make the trek to Maryland’s Eastern Shore on Monday, May 6, this free workshop will be of interest:

PNC Bank, Maryland Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, Maryland Citizens for the Arts, and the Avalon Theatre present an afternoon symposium to help the state’s creative class better navigate copyright law, liability insurance, business entities, merchant services and more! Mind Your Business: Legal and Financial Workshop for Artists will be held at the Avalon Theatre in Easton, Maryland, on Monday, May 6, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm.

Find more info and how to RSVP here.

Artful Resources, Artist Opportunities

13 Art Blogs to Follow

Painting by Art League instructor John Murray.
Painting by Art League instructor John Murray.

In our quest to bring you the most interesting and useful Artful Links, we find ourselves turning often to the same sources. Check out below for some of the best local and national art blogs around — and you can follow all the blogs below (along with The Art League Blog) in your RSS reader by downloading or subscribing to this Google Reader bundle. (Update, July 8: Google Reader has shut down, but you can download the XML file with these 14 subscriptions here. Right-click to download, then upload to an RSS reader of your choice.)

For more helpful links, subscribe to The Art League Blog newsletter here or check out our Artful Resources archive. Also, check out our sidebar “Art League Blogs” over there → for blogs by Art League artists.

What art blogs and websites do you follow? Let us know in the comments! Here are ours, split up by local and non-local focus: Continue reading 13 Art Blogs to Follow

Artful Resources

Artist Opportunities: April 23, 2013

Artist Opportunities

See below for calls for artists and other announcements. You can click the banner above to view past opportunities posts. Good luck!

Abstract works on canvas
Deadline: April 26, 2013. This call for artists is for a group show exhibition opportunity at the Design Center of Richmond June 2013. Submit up to 6 images to [email protected]. For more information, click here.

Continue reading Artist Opportunities: April 23, 2013

Artist Opportunities

Five Reasons to Buy Art

Art collectors at the 2013 Patrons’ Show.

A visitor to The Art League Gallery once said something we knew we had to write down: “When I walk in the gallery I feel like I’m a millionaire — like any of these wonderful paintings could be mine.”

And it’s true. All the artwork in the Gallery is for sale, and it’s all priced so that first-time collectors and repeat buyers can find something they love and can afford to take home. The Art League’s mission is all about enriching the community, so we want to encourage first-time art buyers with some tips on the why and how of collecting:

  1. Art enriches your life. Well, you already knew this, or you wouldn’t be here. Continue reading Five Reasons to Buy Art
Artful Resources, Exhibits

An Art League Story from Our Board President

The Art League is the heart and soul of our arts community and your help in keeping the story alive is so needed. Today is a most important day. Please do what you can to keep the creative spirit strong and growing through Spring2ACTion!

The zone. As artists, there’s just about nothing more satisfactory or exhilarating than achieving this blissful state in the studio. We stop using the left side of our brain, or worrying about the quality of the brush stroke, color temperatures, value or if the work is “good enough.” We simply exist in the moment, and the painting seems to paint itself. It takes on a life of its own when all the notes are hit just so. It’s unexpected, elusive, and seductive, and leaves us wanting more. It’s one of those surprises in the development of our artistic selves that we didn’t know we needed until we sampled it.

npf solo gallery
Nancy’s solo artist exhibit in the Gallery, June 2009.

Any member, student or volunteer at The Art League finds life here to be full of similar kinds of “ah-ha” moments and unexpected pleasures. Being part of this community provides the foundation of who we are and who we may become.

A class becomes more than a place for academic and skilled learning from one of our remarkable faculty. Teachers become long time mentors. Fellow students become colleagues, friends, support systems and finally, another kind of family who become a central part of who we are. A rhythm and flow develops in the classroom and lives become intertwined. We learn much from the artist who is next to us or in front of us. Classes take on a life of their own and become essential to the lives of those involved.  It’s the sustenance that we didn’t know we needed until we had it.

And, this support system further expands in the Gallery and among the membership.  Even with competition for selection in an exhibition, there’s genuine pride for a hard working colleague and friend finding success in any given show. Monthly Receiving Days see reconnections of good friends and colleagues, kudos given for works well done. There are scenes of intimate conversations among people who know and respect each other really well; people who have connected because of their activities at The Art League. Membership goes far beyond the tangible benefits of what we get for our membership dollars. What we receive is priceless. It’s ‘the everything else’ that we didn’t know we needed that becomes vital to our professional and personal health and happiness.

When the revelation of how The Art League has impacted our lives becomes clear, many of us choose to become involved as volunteers. It’s a natural way of giving back and fostering growth for us, for those who come after us and for the community at large. Many choose to give back with their time.  Some choose to make a financial contribution or a bequest. Certainly, The Art League needs the value of time, expertise and dollars. But the surprising thing about giving back is much like being in the zone. The joy and satisfaction that we get from giving is unanticipated and greater than we could ever have imagined, and we know when we’ve hit the notes right on key.

 

Nancy Pane Fortwengler
President, Art League Board of Directors

News

Today is THE DAY!!

day-of-FB-cover

It’s here! It’s Spring2ACTion day – the day when your donation, no matter how big or how small, will make a HUGE difference for The Art League. From midnight until 11:59 pm TODAY, April 17, you can help The Art League win up to $30,000 in grants and prizes to help fund the programs that make The Art League such a life-changing organization for so many.

Click here to donate now!

The Art League received an amazing $32,416 from 610 donors during Spring2ACTion 2012, coming in first place for the most unique donors and second place for the most dollars! And, we won an additional $9,300 in grant money and prizes – providing much needed funds for our Madison Annex Build-out. We’re pushing for first all around this year – aiming to raise $40,000 from 800 donors – and YOU are the one who can make it happen.

Nearly 100 non-profits are participating this year, so the competition is fierce. Your donation today, no matter how big or small, will make an enormous impact! The organization with the most donors wins a $5,000 grant, so $10 will go a long way.

We’re fortunate to have generous matching sponsors throughout the day. The Mason Hirst Foundation is providing a $500 matching gift, and ardent supporter Terry Butler is providing a $500 matching gift for the 7:00-8:00 am hour. Combined with the special “power hour” giving times, your donation today will effectively be double or even tripled.

The Art League is partnering with ACT for Alexandria to donate 5% of funds raised during today’s Spring2ACTion event to The Boston Foundation to support those directly affected by Tuesday’s Boston Marathon bombings.

Click here to donate now!

Follow the action throughout the day on Twitter and Facebook.

Help us spread the word! Click here for tips on how to help.

THANK YOU for your amazing support!

News

Q&A with Award Winner Dennis Crayon

"R is for Rose" by Dennis Crayon was awarded second prize in the "Flora & Fauna" exhibit.
“R is for Rose” by Dennis Crayon was awarded second prize in the “Flora & Fauna” exhibit.

Oil painter Dennis Crayon was first drawn to oil, he said, because of the long time it takes to dry and the appeal of learning the old-school Dutch Master techniques. But in his still lifes and trompe l’oeil works such as R is for Rose (above) — second prize in The Art League’s “Flora & Fauna” exhibit — he uses processes and techniques that his classical influences never had access to. Continue reading Q&A with Award Winner Dennis Crayon

Artist Interviews

Artist Opportunities: April 16, 2013

See below for details on upcoming exhibits and other opportunities. You can click the banner above to see past opportunities posts. Good luck!

Edited to add: Maryland artists
Deadline: April 18, 2013 (Thursday). Maryland Federation of Art invites all artists residing in Maryland and/or all MFA members to enter its fine art juried show. All 2-D and 3-D formats following exhibition guidelines will be considered by the juror. For more information and to enter, click here.

Painting exhibit
Deadline: April 19, 2013 (Friday). Reminder: this is your last chance to enter “Strictly Painting” at McLean Project for the Arts! For more information, click here to download the PDF prospectus.

Continue reading Artist Opportunities: April 16, 2013

Artist Opportunities

Spring Classes Still to Come: Jewelry, Fiber Art, & More

Art League spring classes

Spring Term at The Art League School officially began this week, but many classes are starting later. See below for a full list of late-starting classes and their start dates, and don’t forget that many other classes can be joined late for a prorated fee — contact the School if you’re interested. As always, the latest additions to the catalog, and the full list of weekly classes and shorter-term workshops can be found on the School homepage.

See below for the classes! Continue reading Spring Classes Still to Come: Jewelry, Fiber Art, & More

Art Classes

Q&A with Award Winner Suzanne Vigil

"Home Grown," colored pencil by Suzanne Vigil.
“Home Grown,” colored pencil by Suzanne Vigil. Winner of the Marshall Award for Best in Show.

One after another, visitors to The Art League Gallery this weekend stopped in front of the Best in Show award winner, pictured above, and said the same thing: “Is that really colored pencil?!” You might remember having a similar reaction in December when the same artist, Suzanne Vigil, had her exhibit of time- and pencil-consuming photorealistic portraits, “Up Close & Too Personal.”

For a quick look at Suzanne working in her studio, you can watch our December video here. Suzanne told us more about the art of portraiture, creating characters, and just how long these large portraits take to draw (hint: it’s a very long time). Read all about it in our Q&A, below:

What’s the story behind Home Grown?
I am beginning a series called “Labels.” I’ve always been intrigued when listening to authors relate how they develop a character and thought I’d apply this method to my drawings.

I began doing this young man, working primarily on the front of the face. My first thought was he might be a matador and wear a “traje de luces” (suit of lights). As I worked the eyes and furrowed brow I began to see a sadness. His story began to slowly emerge along with his facial characteristics. As I’m drawing, I’m thinking about his life experiences. Continue reading Q&A with Award Winner Suzanne Vigil

Artist Interviews

April’s Opening Reception is Tonight!

The natural and the supernatural meet in The Art League Gallery this month — and at the opening reception for April’s exhibits, tonight, April 11, at 6:30 pm!

You’re invited to hobnob with the likes of Bacchus (a.k.a. Linda Lawler, the artist behind “Everyday Gods & Goddesses”) and the artists of “Flora & Fauna,” the juried group show celebrating life.

Artwork from "Flora & Fauna."
Artwork from “Flora & Fauna.”

Flora and Fauna

We’ll see you tonight for the reception, 6:30–8:00 pm. “Flora & Fauna” and “Everyday Gods & Goddesses” are open through May 6. See below for more photos! Continue reading April’s Opening Reception is Tonight!

Events, Exhibits

Q&A with Award Winner Barbara Steinacker

"Bombay Hook NWR Autumn-5" by Barbara Steinacker.
“Bombay Hook NWR Autumn – 5” by Barbara Steinacker.

If you’ve visited “Flora & Fauna” since Saturday, you may not have seen the pastel above — it’s already been sold and moved on to greener pastures. But you can click the image to take a good look, and as always, artwork from Art League shows resides on our Flickr site.

The painting, Bombay Hook NWR Autumn – 5, won the Carol Bruce Pastel Award from the “Flora & Fauna” juror. We asked the artist, Barbara Steinacker, to tell us about her medium of choice, creative process, and career change.

Can you tell us a little about your art career, how you got your training and how you made the transition to full-time artist?
I started taking evening classes with Diane Tesler at The Art League School while working full time in an office environment. This went on for several years before I developed enough confidence in my painting to leave the office job and begin painting full time. Since then, I’ve taken classes with Rob Liberace, Danni Dawson, Jane McElvany Coonce, and workshops with pastelists Bob Rohm in New Mexico, Alan Flattmann in Maine, Stan Sperlak in New Jersey, Jack Pardue in North Carolina, and more locally with Richard McKinley, Susan Ogilvie, and Kim Lordier. Continue reading Q&A with Award Winner Barbara Steinacker

Artist Interviews

Spring2ACTion FAQs – Help Us Win $30K Next Wednesday!

Wednesday, April 17 is Spring2ACTion – the 24-hour giving event throughout the city of Alexandria – and we need your support! Below are the answers to some FAQs and some information about this BIG giving day. Click here to learn how you can help via social media!

Spring2ACTion for The Art League

What is Spring2ACTion?
Spring2ACTion is a 24-hour, online giving event for non-profits in Alexandria. Non-profits that raise the most unique donors and dollars have the opportunity to win up to $30,000 in additional grants and prizes.

Spring2ACTion is hosted by ACT for Alexandria and ACTion Alexandria. ACT is a community foundation seeking to raise the level and effectiveness of community engagement and giving for the benefit of all Alexandria. ACTion Alexandria connects neighbors and organizations to share ideas, take action and make an impact.

Why is Spring2ACTion important?
Last year, Spring2ACTion rose $320,000 in one day, benefiting 72 nonprofit organizations. The Art League received $32,416 from 610 donors during Spring2ACTion 2012, coming in first place for the most unique donors and second place for the most dollars. We won an additional $9,300 in grant money and prizes. We’re pushing for first all around this year – aiming to raise $40,000 from 800 donors! This fundraising day provides us with much needed financial support for our general operations.

When is Spring2ACTion?
Spring2ACTion is Wednesday, April 17 from 12:00 midnight-11:59 pm.

Where do I make my donation to The Art League on April 17?
Go to our Spring2ACTion page: http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/The-Art-League

What if I’m not available to donate on April 17? Can I schedule a donation in advance?
Yes. To schedule a donation ahead of time, go to http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/The-Art-League. You will see a pull-down under the green donation box on the right hand side. Select “make this donation occur on a giving day,” and follow the rest of the prompts. Scheduling your donation saves the transaction for April 17 (Spring2ACTion day) and makes us eligible for those big grants and prizes.

Is there a minimum donation?
The minimum donation for Spring2ACTion is $10.

Is there a maximum donation?
There is no maximum donation limit for Spring2ACTion.

Is there a limit to the amount an organization can receive on Spring2ACTion?
There is no maximum amount an organization may receive for Spring2ACTion.

Can I donate to Spring2ACTion on my smart phone?
Yes! Simply type http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/The-Art-League into your phone or scan the QR code below to go directly to our page.

What are “power hours”?
Throughout the day on April 17, organizations that raise the most dollars or unique donors during designated “power hours” will win an additional $500. Try and donate during these times if you can! The times marked with an asterisk* are the ones we would like to focus on.

$500 power hours:

  • Most donors by 8:00am*
  • Most dollars raised by 8:00am*
  • Most dollars raised between 11:00am-12:00 noon
  • Most donors between 3:00-4:00pm*
  • Most donors between 7:00-8:00pm*
  • Most dollars raised between 7:00-8:00pm*
  • Most donors between 10:00-11:00pm*
  • Most dollars raised between 10:00-11:00pm*

What are the leaderboard prizes? Why are they important?
Every donation made to The Art League through Spring2ACTion on April 17 gives us the opportunity to win up to $30,000 in additional grants and prizes. Every donation, regardless of size, helps us get closer to winning this big prize money! You can effectively double or triple your donation on this day.

The leaderboards:

Most unique donors:

  • 1st: $5000
  • 2nd: $2500
  • 3rd: $1000
  • 4th: $500
  • 5th: $100

Most dollars raised:  

  • 1st: $5000
  • 2nd: $2500
  • 3rd: $1000
  • 4th: $500
  • 5th: $100

Free Agent Fundraiser (by most unique donors):

  • 1st: $3000
  • 2nd: $1500
  • 3rd: $500

How can I watch the results as they come in on Spring2ACTion day?
Stay tuned to spring2action.org for all the leaderboard action and to The Art League’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Updates will be posted all throughout the day on the 17th.

What is a unique donor?
An email = a unique donor. If you make three donations with three different emails, that will be considered as three unique donors. If you make three donations with the same email address, that is considered as one unique donor.

How does the Free Agent Fundraiser page, “Art League Alums” work? Where does that money go?
This page: http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/Art-League-Alums-1 is a part of The Art League page. Donations made to “Art League Alums” goes toward our leaderboard total for most donors and most dollars. The Free Agent Fundraising page that raises the most unique donors wins an additional $3000 for its organization. Having this page is a great way for our “Art League Alums” to get involved, fundraise on our behalf by reaching out to their contacts, and to get more people involved in this­ awesome day.

News

How to Help During Spring2ACTion!

Spring2ACTion for The Art League

Wednesday, April 17 is Spring2ACTion – the 24-hour giving event throughout the city of Alexandria – and we need your support! It is the day to make a difference for The Art League. It’s a day when your donation, no matter how big or small, can help The Art League win up to $30,000 in additional grants and prizes – providing us with much needed financial support for our general operations. We need you to help us spread the word and tell your friends and colleagues why The Art League is so important to you.

Click here to read our Spring2ACTion FAQs.

When & where to donate: On April 17, between 12:00 midnight – 11:59 pm, go to http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/The-Art-League and make a donation!

You can help us spread the word and make our way to the top on April 17. Here are some simple ways to help us reach our goal via social media!

5 Ways to use Facebook during Spring2ACTion:

  1. “Like” The Art League’s Facebook page. This will keep you connected and up to date with the latest info about The Art League and Spring2ACTion: http://www.facebook.com/theartleague.
  2. Engage your friends and supporters in conversation. This is an opportunity to tell your Art League story!
    • Tell them why you support The Art League and post it on your page. Upload photos and videos of you painting or creating your artwork.
    • Share The Art League’s Spring2ACTion video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYQ35jbggJc – Let people see how The Art League has impacted you and the community!
    • Promote The Art League and Spring2ACTion in your posts. Use the “mention” function to connect with The Art League and Spring2ACTion. To “mention” The Art League or Spring2ACTion, type the @ symbol and Facebook will prompt you to type in the name of a page or a friend. If you’ve “liked” Spring2ACTion or The Art League, it will show up below the update window as a selection.
  3. Share the link for The Art League’s Spring2ACTion page  – http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/The-Art-League
  4. On April 17, update your Facebook status throughout the day with The Art League’s progress to help increase awareness, excitement and motivation to give.
  5. Change your Facebook profile picture to the official “I Sprung2ACTion for The Art League” profile badge! This will be available for everyone to download from our Facebook site beginning on April 17 at midnight

 5 ways to use Twitter during Spring2ACTion:

  1.  Follow The Art League (@theartleague) and Spring2ACTion (@Spring2ACT). Spring2ACTion tweets will be marked #spring2act
  2. Change your Twitter profile picture to the official “I Sprung2ACTion for The Art League” profile badge! This will be available for everyone to download from our Facebook site beginning on April 17 at midnight.
  3. Share your Art League story!
    • Upload photos of you painting at The Art League and share them on your Twitter account. Share stories of your time at The Art League and ask other Art League friends and supporters to share their message of support on their Twitter accounts.
    • Share The Art League’s Spring2ACTion video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYQ35jbggJcInclude the hashtag #Spring2ACT in your tweets. Using a hashtag is like assigning a category to your tweets. Spring2ACTion will retweet your posts when you use this tag.
  4.  Post Spring2ACTion updates throughout the day on April 17 to help increase awareness, excitement and motivation to give.
  5. Share the link for The Art League’s Spring2ACTion page  – http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/The-Art-League

How to Help by Email:
Send an email to your connections! Email your friends, family, collectors, etc and let them know why they should help support The Art League on April 17. Share your Art League story and include photos and videos.

Be sure to direct them to: http://spring2action.razoo.com/story/The-Art-League to donate!

News

Artist Opportunities: April 9, 2013

See below for details on upcoming exhibits and more. To see past opportunities posts, you can click the banner above. Good luck!

Philadelphia Craft Show
Late deadline: April 12, 2013. The 37th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, a juried exhibition and retail sale, will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from November 7 to 10, 2013, with a preview party on November 6. The jury will accept 195 craft artists. For more information and to apply, click here.

More announcements are below! Continue reading Artist Opportunities: April 9, 2013

Artist Opportunities

Springtime Links: Art Outdoors

Detail from "Le Pecheur" by Art League instructor Sara Linda Poly.
Detail from “Le Pecheur” by Art League instructor Sara Linda Poly.

In fits and starts, warmer weather is on its way to the DC region, and our thoughts are turning to sunny days to come. For this edition of Artful Links, we’re sharing some artful ways to take advantage of the great outdoors:

  • The Purkinje Effect: If the longer daylight hours have you thinking of breaking out the pochade box for some painting en plein air, you should check out this article on the unique effect of low light on the eye’s perception of color, on Artist Daily’s Plein Air blog. You’ve noticed it, and now you have a name for it! Continue reading Springtime Links: Art Outdoors
Artful Resources

Linda Lawler’s Pantheon in Portraiture

Linda Lawler
April 2013 solo artist Linda Lawler in her studio.

“Everyday Gods & Goddesses”
April 4–May 6, 2013
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 11, 6:30–8:00 pm

Portraits of friends and family are injected with a sense of divinity in Linda Lawler’s whimsical exhibit of oil paintings, “Everyday Gods & Goddesses,” opening Thursday at The Art League.

“I wanted to do a series of portraits that you could look at and come to know what that person is like on the inside, not just what they look like on the outside,” Lawler said. To do that, she used figures from Greek and Roman mythology — painting her brother-in-law as Poseidon and interpreting her mother’s nurturing spirit as Gaea, or Mother Earth: Continue reading Linda Lawler’s Pantheon in Portraiture

Exhibits

2013 National Arts Advocacy Day

Americans For the Arts needs your help supporting federal funding for the arts:

National Arts Advocacy Day is on Tuesday, April 9. We are in the final stages of preparing to welcome more than 500 arts advocates to Capitol Hill. Now here’s where we need your help.

Even though you cannot attend in person, you can help your state arts advocacy delegation members who are coming to DC. We need you to write to your Members of Congress by this Friday, April 5th at noon. We are going to tally all of these letters so that your state arts advocacy captain can walk in each Congressional office and say, “Today is Arts Advocacy Day and I want to add my voice to the # other constituents who have already e-mailed you about the importance of the arts and arts education in our state.”

Take two minutes to send a pre-written, customizable Arts Advocacy Day letter to your members of Congress.

Click here to send a letter to your representatives in Congress by April 5 — just customize your message and fill out your address information on the right.

News